Busan has been named the 2028 World Design Capital by the World Design Organization. Shown above is a group photo of those who attended the event that decided the designation. (Busan Metropolitan Government)

By Kang Gahui

Busan has been designated the 2028 World Design Capital (WDC) by the World Design Organization (WDO).

Launched in 2008 by the WDO, the WDC designates every two years a city that pursues economic, social, cultural and environmental development through design.

Busan will be the 11th WDC after Seoul (2010), Helsinki, Finland, (2012) and Valencia, Spain (2022).

During the selection process, Busan received acclaim for using a service design model based on public participation under the theme "Inclusive City, Engaged Design."

A WDO delegation visited Busan last month to explore places like Berry Very Good Bongsan Village, Dongseo University, the redevelopment area of North Port and multicultural complex F1963 to inspect designs incorporating civic participation, an education system centered on design and integrated approach to urban policy and design.

The WDO said Busan has high potential for urban change through design culture, and that it hopes the designation has an impact both in Korea and abroad.

The official designation of Busan as the 2028 WDC will be announced at the World Design Congress in September in London.

kgh89@korea.kr